NFL Strikes Back in Concussion Media War

Consultants’ research and motives questioned

Dr. Mitchell Berger of the NFL’s Head, Neck, and Spine Committee was interviewed by ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” and spoke out against Boston University researchers Robert Cantu and Chris Nowinski. Berger accused the the two self interest by trying to profit from the hype they created with studies linking football and brain damage.

“The BU Group, their whole existence — their funding — relies on perpetuating that it’s a fact if you play football you’re going to have some form of cognitive impairment….So it’s very, very difficult to accept it because it is so biased,” said Berger.

Dr. Cantu aptly responded by saying, “Mitch Berger, with all due respect, is full of s—. No, not with respect.”

It should be interesting as the former players’ lawsuit against the NFL progresses to get a more balanced perspective on the issue because, so far, the media has only covered the plaintiffs’ allegations.

Please see our previous articles for more information on the ongoing debate about concussions in the NFL.